February 2010 -- An Important Month for Farmworkers

Written by Bruce Goldstein Friday, 22 January 2010 19:15

The history of farmworkers in this country is very much tied to the history of labor and immigration policy.  Next month, we expect that the U.S. Department of Labor will publish major changes to the H-2A temporary foreign agricultural worker program, the nation's agricultural guestworker program.  Farmworker Justice collaborated with farmworker unions and other advocates to press Secretary of Labor Solis to reverse the harsh changes made by the Bush-Chao Administration in January 2009 -- just 3 days before leaving office. 

When the new regulations are issued, Farmworker Justice will help organizations and farmworkers understand the new wage, benefits, recruitment and other requirements and help them enforce their rights.  Agribusiness groups already have promised to sue Secretary Solis if she finalizes the proposal she published recently.  We will be there to help farmworkers explain to the court why agribusiness' greedy claims should be rejected as as matter of law.  Farmworkers suffered an unconscionable pay cut of $1 to $2 per hour and the loss of many protections.  Secretary Solis is correct to restore and enhance protections.

You can help Farmworker Justice continue its 28-year history of advocacy, litigation and education regarding the H-2A program and farmworkers' rights under labor and immigration law.  Make a tax-deductible donation with a credit card by clicking on the box at the bottom of the page.  Or send a check to Farmworker Justice, 1126 16th Street, N.W., Suite 270, Washington, D.C. 20036.  Your donation of $25, $50 or $100 goes a long way becasue FJ is a lean, efficient, dedicated organization relied upon by farmworkers for high quality service.  Thank you.

Helping Florida's Farmworkers Laid Off Due to Freezes

Written by Bruce Goldstein Thursday, 21 January 2010 23:04

Florida experienced freezes that harmed many crops, causing much unemployment for that state's farmworkers.

Two organizations that serve farmworkers in Florida and that could use your help through tax-deductible donations are listed below. Each group has several offices around the state and have long track records of service.  Both organizations serve Haitian-American farmworkers, many of whom have family members in Haiti, which has been devastated by an earthquake.

Farmworker Association of Florida, 1264 Apopka Blvd., Apopka, FL 32703. Donations may be made online at http://www.floridafarmworkers.org/ The Director of the organization is Tirso Moreno.

Coalition of Florida Farmworker Organizations, 778 West Palm Drive, Florida City, Florida FL 32703.  More information about COFFO is at www.coffo.org.   The Executive Director is Arturo Lopez.

Thank You for Your Support During 2009

Written by Bruce Goldstein Sunday, 17 January 2010 17:05

Dear supporters of Farmworker Justice,

Thank you very much for your generous donations during 2009 to Farmworker Justice to make our work possible.  We especially thank our sustainers and members of the Harvesters of Justice who made a year-long commitment.

Federal employees who contributed through the Combined Federal Campaign through their pledges in late 2008 often were not identified; we thank those who donated, particularly those whose names we do not know.

Many individuals sent generous donations in response to our newsletters and mailings. Some supported Farmworker Justice by participating in our special events, including our Socially Responsible Wine Tasting and our annual Farmworker Justice Award Reception; we appreciate all the donations of money, time and effort that made those events successful.

The Shelley Davis Memorial Fund was established in honor of our late friend and colleague so that we could carry on her vital work for farmworkers.  The Memorial Fund, following Shelley's death from breast cancer in December 2008, has received donations and pledges of just over $200,000, which will help us provide a lasting tribute to Shelley in the form of vigorous advocacy, especially on occupational safety and health.  Shelley's family members have built the Memorial Fund, for which we are very grateful.

Philanthropic organizations, including foundations that have supported Farmworker Justice for many years and some that have just become contributors, have made our work possible.  We also very much appreciate the officials at government agencies with whom we have contracts and grants.

While money is important, we also appreciate the collaborations that advance our work on behalf of farmworkers.  We work with many organizations around the country and it is a privilege to do so.  As always, the National Council of La Raza, with whom Farmworker Justice has a strategic partnership, provides important support for our work in many way.

The Farmworker Justice Board of Directors comprises 17 talented, dedicated volunteers who serve the organization extremely well.  Our Advisory Council is also a valued resource.

To all these individuals and organizations, and others who make our work possible, thank you .  With your continued support we can continue to help farmworkers make progress in their quest for justice.

 

 

Honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- the Half in Ten Campaign

Written by Bruce Goldstein Friday, 15 January 2010 14:59

Farmworker Justice's offices close on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to honor his work and memory (and to give a little rest to our dedicated, hard-working staff).  Dr. King's efforts to reduce poverty for all Americans is an inspiration for "Half in Ten: The Campaign to Cut Poverty in Half in Ten Years."  The campaign's leaders are the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, the Coalition on Human Needs, and the Center for American Progress.